Coalition sets July 4 as Day Without Immigrants March

A coalition of Latino rights and advocacy groups are gearing up for the “Day Without Immigrants March” July 4. Its goal: to educate the Latino community about the potential negative impact of the so-called “sanctuary bill,” now in the Texas House and Senate as HB9 and SB9. Described as “racist, unAmerican and unconstitutional,” critics say the law won’t stop illegal immigration but will result in racial profiling of Latinos, who will be harassed and discriminated in the process. Critics also say the law will discourage people from reporting crimes or cooperating with police, in fear that they’ll be profiled or detained.

Gov. Rick Perry, who will address U.S. Latino elected officials in San Antonio Thursday, made the legislation a priority in the special session. If it gets to the governor’s desk, it will force local law enforcement officers to ask the immigration status of people they detain. Police overwhelmingly have opposed such immigration-related federal responsibility, saying it will deter from more crucial police work. Law-enforcement agencies and school districts would risk losing state aid if they don’t comply.

Opponents point to the economic burdens of enforcing the law and defending it in court, where they are likely to be fought by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the League of United Latin American Citizens. The Texas law is similar to that of Arizona’s controversial SB1070, which business leaders have tied to economic losses resulting from numerous national boycotts. Organizations, corporations, conventions and even entertainers refused to do business with and in Arizona.

The San Antonio coalition, one of several that have popped up around the state, is planning to begin the July 4 march at the Guadalupe Theater, corner of Brazos and Guadalupe, and end at Elmendorf Park, 3700 W. Commerce St., near Our Lady of the Lake University. Among the Latino organizations involved are the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation, the Brown Berets of San Antonio, Fuerza Unida, the Labor Council on Latin American Advancement AFL-CIO, Texas LULAC and the Southwest Workers Union.

“This law is very problematic and will have a negative impact across the state that will be detrimental to not only the undocumented immigrants in our state, but most importantly families of U.S.-born citizens, U.S. naturalized citizens and legal permanent residents of the state of Texas,” the group’s press release says. “We will be blitzing the Hispanic community with handbills (announcing the Day Without Immigrants March).”